Sgt Grit Newsletter, Sept 14, 2011

Both of my daughters will tell you what it's like to have a Marine for your Dad. After not getting along for weeks they were awakened at 04:30 and told to 'get into your sweat gear'! Outside we went.

Gave them each an entrenching tool and had them dig a hole to bury a log I had selected. They had to do it together to accomplish their mission, Gung Ho! Yes, once buried they had to dig it up because they buried the wrong log. They have been getting along ever since then and that was 1986. read more

More Mighty Photos

I was with Mortor/Whiskey Btry -1-11 in 66 just south of Danang.Being in FDC (0844) Iand was assigned a Mighty Mite to make our weekly beer runs to the ship docks in Danamg. One time when we got back to base I discovered we had a flat tire. The Mite was a box design and was able to drive on 3 tires as long as it was kept balanced. I loved my little MITE read more

My Banner

We were a home school family and home on 9-11-2001.   My sons and I watched as the first tower burned. The news commentators speculated about the "accident".  Then we watched as the second plane hit the second tower.  That morning we watched the both World Trade Center Towers collapse.   The boys were getting very excited, calling their scout friends, then the news switched to Washington, D.C.  I, frankly, could not believe this, then word of a plane crashed in Pennsylvania.  It would be some time before we learned the full story Pennsylvania.   My oldest son, then 13, joined the Marine Corps as soon as he could, 5 years later.    His brother, my youngest, joined the Navy @ 19.   This is the result of an attack on our country, a spontaneous patriotic outpouring from all over this country.     As you can see my boys had to wait to serve, but the intensity of their resolve did not wane.   I am gateful this country still produces young men that love this country so much that they are willing to lay down their lives, put themselves in harm way for us.  I am especially proud that my sons choose to serve.   Last year I ordered this sign – see picture.  I will never forget!   Carole Handley PMM Sgt Matthew (in-active reserves) PNM MM Reed Eagle Scouts, both!

Platoon Pic

A pic of our Platoon 354, MCRD San Diego in 1965.     Front row, L to R, myself, Cpl. T. H. Logan, Senior DI Sgt. E. C. Villanueva, Sgt. J. W. Jones and Guide On R. Kimble.  The unique thing about this Platoon was that we had the Capps brothers who were identical twins.  Top row, center, on each side of the recruit with glasses.  I server all 4 years with Ronnie and Denny.  They have both passed away now but were Marines through and through.   Also, friend of ours is a retired film editor and has asked to cull through my 4,000 slides taken during my 26 months in Viet Nam.  The attached link (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eatjbUaoDY0&feature=youtu.be) is just a start.  Many of you ( my Marine brothers ) will recognize a lot of these places and in the finished product, many of you will be featured.   This is just part one of many to come.   Enjoy and feel free to comment.   Glen

Why a Screaming/Yelling Skull?

Thanks for all of the complements regarding my new finished tattoo! Some might not understand why I would get a tattoo. To assist them in understanding I would love to point out a few small details about my tattoo. Why a “Screaming/Yelling Skull?” One might say it represents death…they would be correct, I have had 12 Marines that I consider my brothers die for my country, this is for them…and thousands of others…The “Combat Vehicle Crewman Helmet (CVC),” is a helmet all Trackers wear while operating an Amphibious Assault Vehicle (AAV), which I used for ten years. The “Sun Dust Wind Goggles,” were issued to Trackers to protect our eyes from debris while operating our 26 ton AAVs,… in the reflection of the goggles is a skyline that is meant to represent Bagdad, Iraq…hopefully this is self explanatory,…Next is the M-16A2 Service Rifle, this was my issued weapon, I was very fluent with it and “She” was there with me through thick and thin, it also represents how Marines are warriors, qualifying at 200, 300, and 500 yards with iron sights, not to mention the conflicts this weapon has been successfully engaged in,…Next, The Marine Corps 1858 Non Commissioned Officers (NCOs) Calvary Sword is the only sword still carried by enlisted personnel to this very day (Marine Corps Only), even though this is a weapon, today it is mainly used in formal Ceremonies like the Marine Corps Balls and Funerals, it was originally authorized to NCOs in recognition of leadership in combat, their virtue and tradition…once again honoring the fallen, it is also part of the most recognized uniform in the world the Marine Corps Dress Blue Uniform…The lettering USMC, is an acronym that needs no explanation,…The side lettering “YAT-YAS” is every Trackers motto, it’s an acronym for “You Ain’t Tracks-You Ain’t Sh-t,”…and yes “AIN’T” is a real word look it up in Webster’s  Dictionary…next is “1833,” this is the AAV crewman Military Occupational Specialty designation number, 1833 is an Amphibious Assault Crewman, this is a combat MOS, so sorry ladies it’s a no go for you…Next why is the lettering so tattered and cracked? I did this to show Marines have been fighting for my country for over 236 years, we might be battered and bruised but we have stood the test of time,… read more